Mapleton elk trial opens in Boulder

BOULDER — Attorneys in court Wednesday agreed on one thing: On Jan. 1, 2013, former Boulder officer Sam Carter — while on duty and in uniform — shot and killed an elk on Mapleton Hill.

But as attorneys laid out, the question is whether it was a plot to kill a beloved trophy elk and cover it up or an officer euthanizing an aggressive and injured animal.

A Boulder County jury will spend the next two weeks hearing evidence for both arguments after attorneys made their opening statements in the case Wednesday in Boulder District Court.

Deputy District Attorney Fred Johnson said Carter developed a "fascination" with the elk and had a plan to use his position as a police officer to get away with killing it and claiming it as a trophy.

"That night, Sam Carter had an illegal and selfish plan in mind," Johnson said. "He was aware a bull elk had been up in that neighborhood. He was going to go up there and use his uniform and badge to poach it and take it as a trophy."

But Carter's attorney, Marc Colin, said Carter was putting down an elk that was injured and aggressive.

"Sam Carter is not guilty of anything but trying to protect citizens of Boulder from a nuisance elk," Colin said. "This case is based on a rush to judgment, and inaccurate media reports of a 'murder mystery.' "

One-day event to run slide down University HillIt's not quite the alternative mode of transportation that Boulder's used to, but, for one day this summer, residents will be able to traverse several city blocks atop inflatable tubes.

DETROIT (AP) — In a story March 27 about a 'Little Syria' exhibit going to Ellis Island, The Associated Press, due to incorrect information from the Arab American National Museum, erroneously reported the date the exhibit will open. Full Story